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Crossing Guard Death Shocking and Sad

The tragic death last week of Everett school crossing guard Marie Howe, 71, calls attention to the dangers of being a crossing guard in a heavily trafficked and congested place like Everett.

“Traffic rushes about here without pausing or watching out for others,” said Superintendent of Schools Fred Foresteire. “People need to pay closer attention and to show more courtesy all around.”

Foresteire, speaking for the School Department, said nearly everyone associated with public school education in the city had been disturbed by Howe’s death.

Mrs. Howe was waked Monday and buried Tuesday morning.

Salvatore Rocco and Sons handled the funeral arrangements.

The funeral was held from St. Anthony’s Church.

She died of head trauma at Massachusetts General Hospital after being hit at the corner of Ferry and Cherry Streets by a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority truck driven by Kevin Mitchell, 67.

The 23 year MWRA employee was not cited although the State Police are said to be conducting a thorough investigation of the accident.

Howe was standing out in the street wearing the required bright orange crossing guard’s vest and was about to cross about a half dozen Keverian Elementary School students when she was hit and knocked to the ground.

Howe had been a crossing guard for just seven months, according to school officials.

In addition, Howe had recently been diagnosed with cancer and had begun chemotherapy treatments several weeks ago at MGH.